The 2017 WRMSDs Report Summary
At Scaglia Indeva we are always working to improve ergonomics and safety in manual material handling tasks. Our range of innovative industrial manipulators are designed to reduce the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) such as sprains and strains to the back, neck, shoulders, lower and upper limbs.
Reducing WRMSDs
In 2014/15, the number of working days lost to WRMSDs was 9.5 million. However, the latest statistics published by the Health & Safety Executive show that in two years this has reduced by 600,000 to 8.9 million.
The total number of WRMSD cases in 2016/17 equated to 507,000, which is 46,000 down on 2014/15. This figure accounts for 39% of all work-related illnesses/injuries in the UK. However, each case averaged 17.6 working days lost per case, which is a small increase on 2014/15 figures of 0.6 days.
Areas affected
Musculoskeletal disorders are divided into three categories – lower limbs, upper limbs or neck, and back. In the latest report, it shows that 45% of all injuries reported were to the upper limbs or neck, 38% to the back, and 17% to the lower limbs.
In each of these categories, manual material handling and lifting is the largest contributing factor to WRMSDs across a wide range of industries.
How can we help?
Although a small decrease, WRMSDs are reducing year on year. The introduction of equipment designed to reduce and even eliminate the stresses and strains of manual material handling operations will therefore see these figures reducing significantly over the next few years.
Scaglia Indeva design and manufacture a large range of electronic and pneumatic industrial manipulators which significantly improve ergonomics for those involved in manual material handling. We are able to configure our systems to meet the individual needs of each operation, regardless of industry or handling requirement.
To discuss your requirements and to find out how we can help improve your handling operation, please 01246 252333, or email info@uk.indevagroup.com.